Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic condition of the oral mucosa that has been largely reported among Indians and to lesser extent in other Asian people and other countries. There has been no satisfactory treatment for OSMF. The aim of this study is to measure the submucosal layer thickness using ultrasonography during the treatment of OSMF with lycopene and curcumin over a period of 3-month.
Materials and Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 study subjects were included in the study. The patients have signed an informed consent before the start of the study. Patients under Group A (n = 15) were given lycopene 8 mg/day in 2 divided doses prescribed for 3 months. Patients under Group B were given curcumin 800 mg/day in 2 divided doses prescribed for 3 months. A clinical examination was carried out at every recall visit and the findings compared with those at the beginning of the treatment. The results were analyzed with unpaired t-test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA test.
Results: At 3-month follow-up, all the patients in both groups showed significant improvement in mouth opening and severity of burning sensation and blanching. When measured using ultrasound, a decrease in the thickness of fibrous bands was noticed in all patients in Group A and Group B.
Conclusion: Lycopene is better when compared to curcumin in the treatment of OSMF, but studies with larger sample and long-term follow-up are needed for better understanding of curcumin in the treatment of OSMF.